WO2011114913A1

WO2011114913A1 - Content distribution system, content distribution apparatus, content distribution method, content distribution program, and content playback apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2011114913A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/055084
Authority: WO
Inventors: 英樹西村; 木山　次郎
Original assignee: シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2010-03-17
Filing date: 2011-03-04
Publication date: 2011-09-22
Also published as: JP5334324B2; SG183165A1; US8959559B2; US20120304204A1; KR20120107516A; CN102763425A; CN102763425B; JP2011197767A

Abstract

Disclosed is a content distribution system wherein power is supplied from a plurality of power sources having different environmental loads, and contents are distributed to content playback apparatuses connected in the system using a communication circuit. The content distribution is performed to a content distribution request made by the content playback apparatuses, with service qualities which are determined such that the environmental loads due to power supplied from the power sources are suppressed to predetermined environmental loads.

Description

Content distribution system, content distribution apparatus, content distribution method, program thereof, and content reproduction apparatus

The present invention provides a content distribution system, a content distribution device, a content distribution method, a program thereof, and a content reproduction device.
This application claims priority on March 17, 2010 based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-061033 filed in Japan, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In recent years, a content playback device (IPTV: IP compatible television) that can connect to an IP (Internet Protocol) network and play content distributed from a content distribution device (server) has appeared. Conventionally, SIP (Session する Initiation 品質 Protocol; refer to Non-Patent Document 1), SDP (Session Description Protocol; Non-patent) as a mechanism for determining the content and quality (such as bit rate) between the client and the server. Document 2 and Non-Patent Document 3). This is a negotiation mechanism in which either the client or the server proposes a choice of content quality according to a certain format, and the other selects and answers either.

Also, as a method of limiting the response to a request from a client according to the load on the server side, there is a technique provided in Patent Document 1. This calculates the request load of each client for each type of load (for example, CPU load X, number of simultaneous connections Y), so that the server load is not exceeded for each type of load relative to the server load. The request processing is restricted, and the request exceeding the limit is processed so as not to provide the service.

JP 2007-328417 A

By the way, in recent years, interest in protecting the global environment has increased. The protection of the global environment is called eco, and if it is for ecology, a little effort and patience for that endeavor is being made. In particular, there is an increasing demand for not increasing carbon dioxide (CO2), which is related to global warming. In the future, there is no doubt that efforts will be made to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and reduce environmental impact in all fields.

On the other hand, the technique of Patent Document 1 has a problem that although the server load is suppressed by limiting request processing, the environmental load cannot be suppressed.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a content distribution system, a content distribution apparatus, a content distribution method, a program thereof, and a content reproduction capable of distributing content while suppressing environmental load. To provide an apparatus.

(1) The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the content distribution system of the present invention is supplied with power from a plurality of power sources having different environmental loads and is connected via a communication line. A content distribution system for distributing content to a playback device,
In response to a content distribution request from the content reproduction apparatus, content distribution is performed with a service quality determined so that an environmental load caused by power supplied from the plurality of power sources can be suppressed to a predetermined environmental load. Features.

(2) A content distribution system according to the present invention is the above-described content distribution system, including a content distribution device that distributes content to the content reproduction device, wherein the content distribution device includes a plurality of power sources. A power detection unit that detects each power consumption; a load detection unit that detects a load amount of the content distribution device; and for the content distribution request from the content reproduction device, the detected power consumption and load amount To distribute the environmental load caused by the power supplied from the plurality of power sources to a predetermined environmental load when the load amount of the content distribution device reaches a predetermined maximum load amount. A negotiation unit that determines the bit rate of content, and a container that distributes content data of the bit rate determined by the negotiation unit. Characterized in that it comprises a tool delivery unit.

(3) The content distribution system according to the present invention is the above-described content distribution system, wherein the power detection unit can supply power sources excluding the power source with the largest environmental load among the plurality of power sources. At least power is detected, and the negotiation unit uses the suppliable power when determining the bit rate of the content to be distributed.

(4) Further, the content distribution system of the present invention is the above-described content distribution system, wherein the power detection is performed when the negotiation unit is not suppressed to the predetermined environmental load while distributing the content. When the determination is made based on the power used and the suppliable power detected by the unit and the load detected by the load detection unit, the bit rate of the distributed content is set so as to be suppressed to the predetermined environmental load. The content distribution unit changes the bit rate of the distributed content to the determined bit rate.

(5) The content distribution system of the present invention is any one of the content distribution systems described above, wherein the environmental load is emission of carbon dioxide, and the plurality of power sources emit carbon dioxide during power generation. It is characterized by non-clean energy that does not clean and non-clean energy that emits carbon dioxide.

(6) Moreover, the content delivery system of this invention is the above-mentioned content delivery system, Comprising: Based on the environmental parameter | index which is the degree which the electric power consumed with the delivery of the said content suppresses use of said 2nd electric power. A charge processing unit for determining a charge is provided.

(7) Further, the content distribution system of the present invention is the above-described content distribution system, wherein the content reproduction device includes a plurality of content distribution devices for distributing content, and at least of the plurality of content distribution devices One is that the power source supplied is different from the other, and the environmental load due to the power supplied from the plurality of power sources is suppressed to a predetermined environmental load in response to a content distribution request from the content playback device. As described above, a content distribution apparatus for distributing content is selected.

(8) Further, the content distribution system of the present invention is any one of the content distribution systems described above, and is determined so as to be suppressed to the predetermined environmental load in response to a content distribution request from the content reproduction device. The content distribution with the service quality is performed when the content reproduction apparatus is instructed to distribute with a reduced environmental load.

(9) A content distribution apparatus according to the present invention is a content distribution apparatus that is supplied with power from a plurality of power sources having different environmental loads and distributes content to a content reproduction apparatus connected via a communication line. In response to a content distribution request from the content reproduction apparatus, content distribution is performed with a service quality determined so that an environmental load caused by power supplied from the plurality of power sources can be suppressed to a predetermined environmental load. Features.

(10) Further, the content distribution method of the present invention is a content distribution method in which power is supplied from a plurality of power sources having different environmental loads, and the content is distributed to a content reproduction apparatus connected via a communication line, In response to a content distribution request from the content reproduction apparatus, the step of performing content distribution with a service quality determined so that an environmental load caused by power supplied from the plurality of power sources is suppressed to a predetermined environmental load. It is characterized by having.

(11) Further, the program of the present invention provides a computer of a content distribution apparatus that is supplied with power from a plurality of power sources having different environmental loads and distributes content to a content reproduction apparatus connected via a communication line. In response to a content distribution request from a playback apparatus, the content load is caused to function as a means for distributing content with a service quality determined so that the environmental load caused by the power supplied from the plurality of power sources can be suppressed to a predetermined environmental load. .

(12) In addition, the content reproduction apparatus of the present invention is a content distribution apparatus that distributes content with service quality determined so that the environmental load caused by power supplied from a plurality of power sources can be suppressed to a predetermined environmental load. A content playback apparatus that receives and plays back distributed content, wherein the content distribution apparatus is instructed to perform distribution with reduced environmental load.

According to the present invention, it is possible to distribute contents while suppressing the environmental load.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the content delivery system by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an external view of the content reproduction apparatus 7 in the same embodiment. 3 is a hardware block diagram illustrating hardware configurations of a power control device 3, a content distribution device 4, a database device 5, and a content reproduction device 7 in the embodiment. FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the content delivery system in the embodiment. It is a sequence diagram showing the process regarding the setting of "eco mode" in the same embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing during content reproduction in the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the content reproduction | regeneration request | requirement in the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the information which the load detection part 403 notifies in sequence S203 in the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the supply amount information in the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the information regarding the content data which content DB504 memorize | stores in the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the relationship between the bit rate which the negotiation part 404 in the same embodiment has memorize | stored, and electric power used. It is a figure which shows the example of the SIP message which notifies the determination result of the content quality which the negotiation part 404 in the embodiment transmits. It is a figure showing an example of history information which history DB502 memorizes in the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the ratio of the electric power used in the same embodiment and average surplus electric power, an environmental parameter | index, and a charge (unit price). It is a figure which shows the example of the billing charge for every user which charging DB501 in the same embodiment memorize | stores. It is a flowchart explaining the process of the content quality determination by the negotiation part 404 in the embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the charging process by the charging process part 408 in the embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the content delivery system in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of content distribution apparatuses 4-A and 4-B in the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing during content reproduction in the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows examples, such as the clean energy usage-amount detected at the points A and B in the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the content quality result notification in the same embodiment. It is a sequence diagram explaining the process which changes content quality dynamically during the session in the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the content reproduction | regeneration request | requirement in the modification. It is a figure which shows the example of the content quality result notification in the modification. It is a flowchart explaining the detection process of the event by the negotiation part 404 in the modification. It is a figure which shows the example of the content quality change request | requirement in the modification. It is an external view which shows an example of the screen display of the content reproduction apparatus.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the content distribution system according to the present embodiment. The content distribution system in this embodiment includes a grid power 1, a photovoltaic power generation panel 2, a power control device 3, a content distribution device 4, a display 47, a keyboard 48, a database device 5, a network 6, and a plurality of content reproductions from an electric power company. A device 7 and an Ethernet (registered trademark) switch device 10 are provided. The photovoltaic power generation panel 2, the power control device 3, the content distribution device 4, the display 47, the keyboard 48, and the database device 5 are installed by the service provider, and the content reproduction device 7 is installed by the user at the user's home.

In FIG. 1, a solid line indicates connection by a data line such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable, an optical fiber, or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, and a one-dot chain line indicates connection of a power line. That is, the Ethernet (registered trademark) switch device 10 includes an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable such as a UTP (Unshielded Twist Pair Cable) cable, a power control device 3, a content distribution device 4, and a network 6. It is connected. A display 47 is connected to the content distribution apparatus 4 with a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) cable or the like, a keyboard 48 is connected with a USB cable or the like, an optical fiber for fiber channel, a coaxial cable, or Ethernet (registered trademark). The database device 5 is connected by a cable or the like. Moreover, the power from the grid power 1 and the photovoltaic power generation panel 2 is input to the power control device 3, and the power distributed from these powers by the power control device 3 is input to the content distribution device 4 and the database device 5. Is done. The database device 5 is directly connected to the content distribution device 4, but may be connected via an Ethernet (registered trademark) switch device 10 or the like.
FIG. 2 is an external view of the content reproduction device 7. The content reproduction device 7 includes a display unit 74 that displays video, a speaker 75 that outputs audio, and a remote controller 761 for performing operation input such as content selection.

FIG. 3 is a hardware block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the power control device 3, the content distribution device 4, the database device 5, and the content reproduction device 7. The power control device 3 includes a CPU 31, a main storage unit 32, an auxiliary storage unit 33, a power sensor 34, a power supply unit 35, a communication unit 36, and a storage battery 37. The CPU 31, the main storage unit 32, the auxiliary storage unit 33, the power sensor 34, and the communication unit 35 are connected by an internal bus. The power supply unit 35 receives input of the power from the photovoltaic power generation panel 2, the power from the grid power 1, and the power from the storage battery 37, distributes these, and supplies the power to the content distribution device 4 and the database device 5. Supply.
The power supply unit 35 distributes the power from the photovoltaic power generation panel 2 with priority and distributes the power from the storage battery 37 when the power supplied from the photovoltaic power generation panel 2 is insufficient. When insufficient, the power from the grid power 1 is distributed. Further, when there is a surplus in the power supplied from the photovoltaic power generation panel 2, the power supply unit 35 charges the storage battery 37 with the surplus power. The power sensor 34 detects each power (wattage) supplied from the photovoltaic power generation panel 2, the system power 1, and the storage battery 37.

The CPU 31 reads out the control program recorded in the auxiliary storage unit 33 and executes it using the main storage unit 32 as a working memory to perform various controls of the device, and uses the communication unit 36 when necessary. It communicates with the content distribution device 4 and the like. The communication unit 36 is, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) terminal, but may be another communication interface such as RS232C (Recommended Standard 232-C).

The content distribution device 4 is a computer such as a personal computer, a workstation, or a server, and includes a CPU 41, a main storage unit 42, an auxiliary storage unit 43, a power sensor 44, a power supply unit 45, and a communication unit 46. The CPU 41, the main storage unit 42, the auxiliary storage unit 43, the power sensor 44, and the communication unit 46 are connected by an internal bus. Although the content distribution apparatus 4 has been described here as being composed of one computer, it may be composed of a plurality of personal computers and workstations. The power supply unit 45 receives supply of power for operating the device from the power control device 3. The power sensor 44 detects the power supplied to the power supply unit 45.

The CPU 41 reads out a control program recorded in the auxiliary storage unit 43 and operates as the content distribution device 4 and performs various controls by using the main storage unit 42 as a working memory, and when necessary. The communication unit 46 is used to communicate with the power control device 3, the database device 5, the content reproduction device 7, and the like. The communication unit 46 is, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) terminal, a DVI terminal, a USB terminal, or an optical fiber terminal, but may be another communication interface such as RS232C (Recommended Standard 232-C), or A combination may be used. The communication unit 46 is connected to input / output devices such as a display 47 and a keyboard 48 shown in FIG. The administrator can manage the content distribution apparatus 4 using these input / output devices. The control program recorded in the auxiliary storage unit 43 includes an OS (Operating System), an HTTP server program, an application server program, and the like. Each part (functional block) constituting the content distribution apparatus 4 to be described later uses these functions in common.

The database device 5 is a computer such as a personal computer, a workstation, or a server, and includes a CPU 51, a main storage unit 52, an auxiliary storage unit 53, and a communication unit 54. The CPU 51, the main storage unit 52, the auxiliary storage unit 53, and the communication unit 54 are connected by an internal bus. Here, the database apparatus 5 has been described as being composed of one computer, but may be composed of a plurality of personal computers and workstations. The CPU 51 reads out the control program recorded in the auxiliary storage 53 and executes various controls by using the main storage unit 52 as a working memory, and uses the communication unit 54 when necessary, and the content distribution apparatus 4. Communicate with. Further, the control program recorded in the auxiliary storage unit 53 includes an OS (Operating System) and database management software. The CPU 51 executes these control programs and responds to a request from the content distribution apparatus 4. Based on this, the data in the auxiliary storage 53 is managed. Although not shown, the database device 5 may also include input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a monitor so as to enable management operations by the administrator, as with the content distribution device 4. The communication unit 54 is, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) terminal or an optical fiber terminal, but may be another communication interface.

The content playback device 7 is, for example, a network compatible digital television receiver, or a set top box to which a display and speakers such as a digital television device are connected, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) recorder, and the like. A storage unit 72, an auxiliary storage unit 73, a display unit 74, a speaker 75, an input unit 76, a communication unit 77, and a remote controller 761 are provided. The CPU 71, the main storage unit 72, the auxiliary storage unit 73, the display unit 74, the speaker 75, the input unit 76, and the communication unit 77 are connected by an internal bus.

The CPU 71 performs various controls by reading out the control program recorded in the auxiliary memory 73 and executing it using the main memory 72 as a working memory. Further, the CPU 71 receives a user operation at the input unit 76 and communicates with the content distribution device 4 and the like using the communication unit 77 when necessary. Further, the CPU 71 decodes the video data received from the content distribution device 4 through the communication unit 77 and outputs the decoded video data to the display unit 74 and the speaker 75. The input unit 76 is actually a receiving unit of the remote controller 761 using infrared rays or other wireless communication means. The auxiliary memory 73 is configured by a flash memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the content distribution system in the present embodiment. System power 1 is power purchased from an electric power company. Electric power companies currently generate electricity mainly from various energy sources such as thermal power, hydropower, and nuclear power, and some of them are friendly to the global environment (does not emit carbon dioxide or use resources). It is based on depletion energy typified by so-called fossil fuels, and can be said to be a large environmental load that emits carbon dioxide. Here, the grid power 1 is called non-clean energy.
The photovoltaic power generation panel 2 is a device that directly converts sunlight into electricity without using earth resources, and the electric power obtained thereby is energy with a low environmental load that does not emit carbon dioxide. There are other types of energy such as wind power generation, but here they are collectively called clean energy. In this embodiment, since the electric power stored in the storage battery 37 is supplied from the solar power generation panel 2, the electric power supplied from the storage battery 37 is also clean energy.

The power control device 3 receives power supply from the grid power 1 and the photovoltaic power generation panel 2 and supplies power to the content distribution device 4 and the like, and at the same time supplies supply amount information indicating each supply amount (electric power) or the like with a digital signal. Thus, the content distribution apparatus 4 is notified. The power control device 3 includes a power information unit 301, a power supply unit 302, and a storage battery 37. The power information unit 301 detects the amount of power supplied from each of the grid power 1, the photovoltaic power generation panel 2, and the storage battery 37 using the power sensor 34 of FIG. 3, and calculates the amount of non-clean energy calculated based on them. Information indicating the clean energy amount, clean energy storage power amount, and storage speed is held as supply amount information, and the supply amount information is transmitted to the content distribution apparatus 4 as a digital signal via the communication unit 36 of FIG. Notice.

The power supply unit 302 supplies the system power 1, the photovoltaic power generation panel 2, and the power supplied from the storage battery 37 to the device, the content distribution device 4, and the database device 5. The storage battery 37 stores the surplus that is not consumed by the content distribution device 4 among the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation panel 2. This electric power is discharged when the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation panel 2 is insufficient. As a method for controlling the power when discharging, for example, the maximum power (1 kW or the like) or the power reduced to some extent (100 W or the like) is always supplied below the preset power. Alternatively, the necessary electric power may be supplied within a value obtained by dividing the stored electric energy by a preset dischargeable time (for example, at least one hour), or other control method. Also good.

The content distribution apparatus 4 includes a power detection unit 401, a power information management unit 402, a load detection unit 403, a negotiation unit 404, a session management unit 405, a content management unit 406, a history management unit 407, a billing processing unit 408, and a network communication unit 409. Is provided. The power detection unit 401 periodically receives supply amount information from the power information unit 301 of the power control device 3, and provides supply amount information at that time in response to a request from the power information management unit 402. The power information management unit 402 holds the supply amount information provided from the power detection unit 401 and provides the supply amount information at that time in response to a request from the negotiation unit 404.

The load detection unit 403 detects the power consumed by the content distribution device 4 itself using the power sensor 44 of FIG. In addition, the load detection unit 403 makes an inquiry to the session management unit 405 and acquires information indicating the load applied to the content distribution device 4. In response to a request from the negotiation unit 404, the load detection unit 403 provides power information and information indicating the load at that time. Information indicating the load includes, for example, the number of sessions and the total bit rate, as will be described later. The negotiation unit 404 receives the content playback request received from the content playback device 7 via the network communication unit 409, and when the load amount of the content distribution device 4 reaches a predetermined maximum load amount, the content is only clean energy. The bit rate of the content to be distributed is determined so as to cover the power consumption of the distribution device 4, and a response is made via the network communication unit 409. The negotiation unit 04 refers to various types of information managed by the power information management unit 402, the load detection unit 403, the session management unit 405, and the content management unit 406 at the time of the determination. The negotiation unit 04 generates a response including information indicating the determined content quality as a response message according to a specific format, and transmits the response message to the content reproduction device 7 that is the transmission source of the request via the network communication unit 409. .

The session management unit 405 manages the user DB 503 included in the database device 5, sets the content viewing unit requested and established by the content reproduction device 7 as a session, and associates it with the user ID of the content reproduction device 7 in the user DB 503. Store and manage. In addition, the session management unit 405 provides session management information including the number of sessions and the total bit rate to the load detection unit 403 as information indicating the load, and requests the history management unit 407 to create a history when the session ends. The content management unit 406 manages the content DB 54 included in the database device 5. For example, the content management unit 406 reads content data and summary information stored in the content DB 54 in accordance with a request from the negotiation unit 404 and transmits the content data and summary information to the content reproduction device 7 via the network communication unit 409. Here, the content data is data obtained by encoding content video and audio. The summary information is data for introducing the content to the viewer, such as the content title and summary.

The history management unit 407 manages the history DB 502 provided in the database device 5. For example, the history management unit 407, in response to a request from the session management unit 405, every time content is played by the content playback device 7, the history including the identification of the played content, its quality, viewing start time, end time, etc. Information is created and stored in the history DB 502. The charging processing unit 408 manages the charging DB 501 provided in the database device 5. For example, the billing processing unit 408 calculates the final content viewing fee by referring to each history information registered in the history DB 502 via the history management unit 407 and totalizing the information, and calculates the calculated content for each user. The content viewing fee is stored in the charging DB 501. Thereafter, in response to the operator's operation, the billing processing unit 408 refers to the billing DB 501 and issues a monthly bill for each user. The service provider uses this bill to collect charges. The network communication unit 409 performs data communication with the content reproduction device 7 connected through the network 6 such as the Internet using a network interface (communication unit 46) represented by Ethernet (registered trademark).

The database device 5 includes a charging DB 501, a history DB 502, a user DB 503, and a content DB 504. The charging DB 501 stores content viewing fees for each user such as monthly, and performs data storage and search processing in response to registration requests, search requests, and the like from the charging processing unit 408. The history DB 502 stores history information for each user's viewing, and performs data storage and search processing in response to registration requests, search requests, and the like from the history management unit 407. The user DB 503 stores user information such as user identification information, a user name, and a password. In response to a registration request or a search request from the session management unit 405, the user DB 503 stores and searches data related to a specific user. Do. The content DB 504 stores content data and summary information of various VoD (Video On Demand) content, and performs data search processing in response to search requests and distribution requests from the content management unit 406.

The content reproduction apparatus 7 includes a user input unit 701, an eco mode setting unit 702, a setting DB 703, a content request unit 704, a content control unit 705, a communication unit 706, a data reception unit 707, a video output unit 708, and an audio output unit 709. . The user input unit 701 receives input by a user operation and notifies each unit of input content. Specifically, an input by a user operation is received by a button provided on the remote controller 761 or the upper part of the main body. The content reproduction device 7 basically operates with a user input to the user input unit 701 as a trigger.

The eco mode setting unit 702 is a part for setting whether or not the content playback apparatus 7 operates in an environment-friendly mode. Specifically, the eco mode setting unit 702 receives a request by a user operation for a setting item on the menu screen via the user input unit 701 and records the requested mode in the setting DB 703. The setting DB 703 stores various settings in the content reproduction device 7 including eco mode setting information indicating whether or not the eco mode is set.

The content request unit 704 sends a content distribution request designated by the content control unit 705 to the content distribution device 4 via the communication unit 706 according to an instruction from the content control unit 705. In addition, the content request unit 704 receives a response message to the distribution request and notifies the content control unit 705. The content request unit 704 makes a distribution request with reference to the eco-mode setting information recorded in the setting DB 703 when making a content distribution request. In response to an instruction from the user input unit 701, the content control unit 705 makes a content distribution request to the content request unit 704 and receives a response message to the content distribution request from the content request unit 704. The content control unit 705 processes the received response message to establish a content distribution session, and requests the content distribution apparatus 4 to send a request for starting, pausing, or stopping the content distribution to the content distribution apparatus 4 via the communication unit 706. Against.

The communication unit 706 communicates with each unit of the content distribution apparatus 4 via the network 6 and the network communication unit 409. The data receiving unit 707 receives and decodes the content data distributed by the content distribution device 4, separates it into video data and audio data, and transfers them to the video output unit 708 and audio output unit 709. The video output unit 708 displays the video of the transferred video data on the display unit 74 in FIG. The audio output unit 709 causes the speaker 75 of FIG. 3 to output the audio of the transferred audio data. Note that the content distribution apparatus 4 can provide services to a plurality of content reproduction apparatuses 7 at the same time, and FIG. 4 illustrates a plurality of content reproduction apparatuses 7. However, the plurality of content reproduction apparatuses 7 are all included. It is the same composition.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing processing related to the setting of “eco mode”. In the present embodiment, the eco mode is a mode for instructing delivery with reduced environmental load, that is, a mode for automatically selecting carbon dioxide emissions if it is possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in order to protect the global environment. Yes, while the eco mode is set, the content requesting unit 704 of the content reproduction device 7 is premised on the mode, and the negotiation unit of the content distribution device 4 can supply power used for content distribution with clean energy. Negotiate the quality of the content with 404. A mode that is not an eco mode is a mode that does not take such consideration into consideration when negotiating the quality of content.

First, when the user performs an operation for setting the eco mode with respect to the content reproduction apparatus 7 using the remote controller 761 or the like (S11), the user input unit 701 detects this operation, and the eco mode setting unit. 702 is notified. Upon receiving this notification, the eco mode setting unit 702 records in the setting DB 703 that the eco mode has been set (S12-a). The recorded setting information is described in a distribution request message transmitted from the content requesting unit 704 to the content distribution apparatus 4 at the time of content quality negotiation accompanying actual content reproduction.

In the present embodiment, the setting of the eco mode is stored in the content reproduction device 7, but may be stored on the service provider side (the content distribution device 4 or the database device 5). In this case, after sequence S11, upon receiving notification that the operation for setting the eco mode has been detected, eco mode setting unit 702 sends a request for eco mode setting to content request unit 704, and the content request The unit 704 transmits the setting information to the content distribution device 4 (S12-b). In the content distribution device 4, the setting information is received by the session management unit 405 via the network communication unit 409. Then, the session management unit 405 records the received setting information in the user DB 503 (S13-b).
The setting information is transmitted from the content requesting unit 704 to the content distribution device 4 although the timing differs depending on whether the eco-mode setting is stored in the content playback device 7 or on the service provider side. Are the same.

In this embodiment, the eco mode is set regardless of the service content provided by the service provider, but only when the service provider announces that it supports the eco mode setting. Also good. For example, the content of the HTTP response returned from the content distribution device 4 may include a description such as “Supported: eco-mode”, or an HTML document to be returned or a JavaScript. You may make it notify to the content reproduction apparatus 7 through a (registered trademark) command.
Furthermore, it may be expressed for each content provided by the content distribution device 4 that the eco mode setting is supported. As a method of assertion, it may be specified as an attribute of a link related to playback of each content (eg, <a href=”http:...” eco=”yes”>, <a href = ”http : .....? eco = yes ”>, <a href=”sip:....?eco=yes>, or <object> attribute etc.). The control described in this embodiment may be performed only when the mode is supported.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing during content playback. The user input unit 701 of the content reproduction device 7 detects an operation for reproducing the content using the remote controller 761 or the like by the user (S201). At this time, specifically, a screen displayed in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) distributed by a not-illustrated portion of the content distribution device 4, which can be distributed by the content distribution device 4 The operation for selecting one of the contents displayed in the list on the screen on which the list is displayed is an operation for reproducing the contents. Then, the user input unit 701 that has detected the operation instructs the content control unit 705 to perform reproduction including content identification information specified by the operation.

Upon receiving this reproduction instruction, the content control unit 705 generates a content reproduction request including the content identification information included in the received instruction and the setting information stored in the setting DB 703, and via the communication unit 706. It transmits with respect to the content delivery apparatus 4 (S202). For example, the content reproduction request at this time is a SIP message as shown in FIG. Here, an example in which SIP is used as a content reproduction request is given, but a protocol other than SIP may be used. Here, the INVITE line (first line) is a command for requesting the start of a session in SIP. The From line (second line) indicates a message transmission source, that is, a logical user name of the content reproduction apparatus 7. The To line (third line) is the message destination, that is, the identifier of the content to be reproduced in this case, and the content identification information “vod1” specified by the selection on the screen on which the content list is displayed. Generated based on

The blank line (line 4) and subsequent lines are written in SDP format. The v, o, s, and t lines (from the 5th line to the 8th line) are headers determined by the SDP. The m line (9th line) is a line indicating the type of media to be requested. Here, “33” at the end designates the MPEG-TS format. The line c (line 10) represents the network address of the content playback device 7. The row b (11th row) is a row indicating the maximum bandwidth that can be processed. Here, “15000” designates 15000 Kbps (Kilo bit per second). The a = fmtp line (12th line) specifies parameters for the medium type “33” specified in the m line, and here, parameters based on the setting information are specified.

In the example of FIG. 7, “eco”, “bitrate = 2000-”, and “brightness = 50-” are designated as parameters based on the setting information. “Eco” indicates that it is an eco mode, and indicates that it is requesting quality negotiation in consideration of reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. “Bitrate = 2000-” indicates that it is specified to be 2000 Kbps or more even in that case. “Brightness = 50-” means that the backlight of the LCD display or the lamp of the projector appears to be the same level with an intensity of less than 100% and 50% or more (in the case of 50%, the original color information has a lightness of 200%) (Ie, the contrast decreases), it indicates that the content that is viewed at the same level at the lowest intensity is requested.

6, the content reproduction request message (S202) is accepted by the negotiation unit 404 of the content distribution device 4 via the network communication unit 409. Upon receiving the content reproduction request message, the negotiation unit 404 determines whether or not the eco mode is set based on the message. Here, it is assumed that the eco mode is set. Then, the negotiation unit 404 determines that the eco mode is set, and makes an inquiry to the load detection unit 403 in order to detect the load on the server side (the content distribution device 4 and the database device 5). The load detection unit 403 acquires the power currently used by the content distribution device 4 from the power sensor 44, acquires information indicating the load from the session management unit 405, and notifies the negotiation unit 404 of these information ( S203). The information indicating the load includes the number of sessions currently in service, the total number of bit rates used for distribution, the average value and standard deviation of the number of statistical sessions in the same time zone.

Here, the average value and standard deviation of the number of statistical sessions in the same time zone are a predetermined time zone and the average value and standard deviation of the number of past sessions in the time zone including the current time. . For example, when the time zone is divided every hour from every hour, and the current time is 19:32, for example, the average value and the standard value of the number of sessions from 19:00 to 20:00 in the past month Deviation. The number of sessions is measured once every time period, and may be an average value and a standard deviation. For example, the number of sessions is measured a plurality of times during a time period such as every other minute, and the average value and the standard deviation are measured. It may be a deviation. Further, the concept of day of the week, the concept of weekdays, and holidays may be included in the same time zone. In addition, the average value and the standard deviation may be calculated and updated by the session management unit 405, or values calculated in advance may be set in the program. In addition, the time zones are not divided at regular intervals as described above. For example, time zones in which the number of sessions changes rapidly are divided finely, and time zones in which the number of sessions changes little are divided widely. You may make it divide by an interval.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of information acquired by the load detection unit 403 and notified to the negotiation unit 404 in this sequence S203. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the load detection unit 403, for example, uses the current content distribution apparatus power consumption “50 kW”, the current number of sessions “500 sessions”, the current total bit rate “5000 Mbps”, and the number of statistical sessions in the current time zone. The average “450 sessions” and the statistical standard number of sessions “175 sessions” in the current time zone are acquired and notified to the negotiation unit 404.

Referring back to FIG. 6, next, the negotiation unit 404 acquires a clean energy amount (S204). For this purpose, the negotiation unit 404 acquires supply amount information including clean energy use power, non-clean energy use power, clean energy storage power amount, and storage speed from the power information management unit 402. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of supply amount information acquired by the negotiation unit 404 from the power information management unit 402. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the negotiation unit 404 acquires, for example, clean energy usage power “50 kW”, non-clean energy usage power “0 kW”, clean energy storage power amount “50 kWh”, and storage speed “+5 kW”.

Referring back to FIG. 6, next, the negotiation unit 404 determines the quality (content data) of the content so that the content can be distributed using only clean energy (S205). That is, the negotiation unit 404 is content data of the content specified in the content reproduction request, and information acquired in sequences S203 and S204 from a plurality of content data having different qualities stored in the content DB 504, and later described Based on the relationship between the bit rate to be used and the power used, content data is selected so that clean energy can cover the power required for content distribution even if the number of sessions is assumed.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information related to content data stored in the content DB 504. The content DB 504 stores content data of one or more qualities of each content in association with the content ID, and as shown in FIG. 10, the content ID “vod-1”, the bit rate “2000”, Brightness “100” is stored in association with each other, content ID “vod1-1-60”, bit rate “2000”, and brightness “60” are stored in association with each other, and content ID “vod1-2” is stored. ”, Bit rate“ 4000 ”, and brightness“ 100 ”are stored in association with each other, and the content ID, bit rate, and brightness of the content data stored by itself are stored in association with each other. To do.

Here, the content data associated with the content IDs “vod1-1” to “vod1-4” are all content data with the same content indicated by the content identification information “vod1”, and only the quality is different. . For example, the content data with the content ID “vod1-1” has a bit rate of 2000 kbps, whereas the content data with the content ID “vod1-2” has a bit rate of 4000 kbps. Further, the content data with the content ID “vod1-1” has the same brightness setting as usual (100%), but the content data with the content ID “vod1-1-60” has a backlight with 60% brightness. In this case, the data is displayed with the same brightness as the content data of the content ID “vod1-1”.

That is, for example, it is assumed that there is data in which the brightness of four white spots is (0, 30, 60, 100) after decoding. When the backlight brightness is 100%, the data for each of the above points is (0, 30, 60, 100) itself. When the backlight brightness is 60%, if the data for each of the above points is set to (0, 50, 100, 100), the actual brightness is (0, 30, 60, 60), that is, , It can be displayed with the brightness that the distribution side has intended. However, as the fourth point is displayed at 60 instead of 100, the point that should be displayed brighter is not so. As a result, the phenomenon of “whiteout” occurs, and a better result can be obtained when applied to a dark image as a whole.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the bit rate stored in the negotiation unit 404 and the power used. The negotiation unit 404 stores the used power “10 W” and the eco mode “O” in association with the bit rate “2000 kbps” illustrated in FIG. 11, and associates the used power with the bit rate “4000 kbps”. “20 W” and eco-mode “O” are stored, and associated with a bit rate “10000 kbps”, used power “50 W” and eco-mode “O” are stored, and associated with a bit rate “2000 kbps”. Thus, whether or not to permit the bit rate, the power used for distribution at the bit rate and the bit rate in the eco mode, such as storing the used power “100 W” and the eco mode “×” in association with each other. Is stored in association with the information indicating that. Here, “o” in the eco mode indicates that the distribution at the bit rate is permitted in the eco mode, and “x” in the eco mode indicates that the distribution is not permitted.

Referring back to FIG. 6, the negotiation unit 404 then transmits the content quality determination result to the content reproduction device 7 (S206). Further, according to the instruction from the negotiation unit 404, the session management unit 405 stores the determination result of the content quality in the user DB 503 and establishes a session. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an SIP message that notifies the determination result of the content quality transmitted by the negotiation unit 404. In FIG. 12, the SIP / 2.0 200 line (first line) indicates that the INVITE request illustrated in the first line of FIG. 7 is successful. The other lines are the same as the SIP message of FIG. 7, but the characteristic part different from FIG. 7 is the line “a = fmtp: 33” on the 12th line, and the environment index is “eco = 2”. 2, “bitrate = 4000” indicates that the bit rate is 4000 kbps, and “brightness = 60” indicates that the brightness setting is 60.

Other differences are the 11th line “a = fmtp: 33 uri =... Session =”. Here, what is returned as a parameter is an identifier used when sending a video playback control request such as playback start or playback pause. As an identifier, RTSP (Realtime Streaming Protocol; RFC2326) such as “uri = rtsp: ˜” is used. However, the identifier is not particularly limited, and any protocol capable of performing reproduction control may be used. Further, the IP address “100.1.1.100” specified by “uri = rtsp: //100.1.1.100” is the address of the content distribution apparatus 4, and is normally the SIP message of FIG. Is the same as the destination. However, depending on the configuration of the content distribution apparatus 4, the server apparatus that transmits / receives the SIP message may be different from the server apparatus that transmits / receives the RTSP message. In this case, the IP address may be different.

The message notifying the determination result of the content quality is received by the content requesting unit 704 of the content reproduction device 7, and parameter setting for the video output unit 708 and the audio output unit 709 is performed for the content control unit 705 according to the message content. And the transmission start request transmission (S207). For example, in accordance with “brightnes = 60” in the message, the video output unit 708 is instructed to set the backlight output to be 60%. Here, the reproduction start request is, for example, an RTSP PLAY command or the like, but may be a reproduction start request according to another protocol. When the session management unit 405 of the content distribution device 4 receives this reproduction start request, the content management unit 406 of the content distribution device 4 reads out the content data of the quality specified by the SIP message in FIG. 12 from the content DB 504 and distributes it. (S208). The distributed content data is received by the data receiving unit 707 of the content reproduction device 7 and transferred to the video output unit 708 and the audio output unit 709 to output the video and audio of the content. After that, the content control unit 705 transmits a distribution stop request (S209) and a content reproduction end request (S210; session end request) to the content distribution device 4, thereby ending the session.

In response to an instruction issued by the session management when the session ends, the history management unit 407 of the content distribution device 4 creates history information of the session that distributed the content and stores it in the history DB 502 (S211). FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of history information stored in the history DB 502. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the history DB 502 stores a user ID “alice”, a viewing date “11/3”, a content ID “vod12-3”, a viewing time “120 minutes”, and an environment index “3”. And the user ID “alice”, the viewing date “11/4”, the content ID “vod5-2”, the viewing time “60 minutes”, and the environment index “2”. The history information of each session is stored in a record including a user ID, a viewing date, a content ID, a viewing time, and an environmental index. Note that the viewing date may include not only the date but also the time.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the ratio between the used power and the average surplus power, the environmental index, and the charge (unit price). The history management unit 407 determines the environment index of each session using the relationship between the ratio between the used power and the average surplus power and the environment index, and uses it as history information. Further, the billing processing unit 408 performs billing processing using the relationship between the environmental index and the charge (unit price). The average surplus power is a value obtained by dividing the surplus power of clean energy by the difference between the expected maximum number of sessions (predetermined maximum load) and the current number of sessions, and will be described in detail later. In the relationship between the power used by a new session and the average surplus power, if the power used is within the surplus power, there is no contrary to ecology. It is profit and should be returned to the user as an incentive.
In accordance with such a concept, the relationship between the environmental index (degree of energy saving) and the unit price of charges is set in advance as shown in FIG. 14, for example.

That is, when the power consumption is very small with respect to the average surplus power and the ratio is 0.1 or less, the contribution to energy saving is high, so it is set as the environmental index 3 and the unit price is 40 yen per hour. Moreover, when the ratio of the electric power used with respect to average surplus electric power exceeds 0.1 and is 0.5 or less, it is set as the environmental index 2, and the unit price is 60 yen per hour. When the ratio of the used electric power to the average surplus electric power exceeds 0.5 and is 1 or less, the environmental index is 1, and the unit price is 80 yen per hour. When the ratio of the used power to the average surplus power exceeds 1 or the average surplus power is 0, the environmental index is 0 and the unit price is 100 per hour. However, these settings can be arbitrarily set according to the operating policy of the operator.

For example, when the average surplus power is 40 W and the content data with the content ID “vod 1-2-60” is distributed, the bit rate of this content data is 4000 kbps as shown in FIG. The power used is 20W. Therefore, power used / average surplus power = 20/40 = 0.5, and from FIG. 14, the environmental index = 2 and the unit price is 60 yen. Here, the environmental index is set to four stages of 0 to 3, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of stages may be more or less than four, and the power consumption and the average surplus power are used as parameters in advance. It is good also as a continuous value by calculating using the decided numerical formula. Similarly, the charge (unit price) may be a continuous value, or may be set at several stages by providing a certain threshold value.

It should be noted that the brightness setting 60 does not particularly affect the load on the business operator side, so it is not necessary to perform incentives such as price reduction. This is mainly because it contributes to reducing the power consumption of the content reproduction apparatus 7, and has already given merit to the user.

Returning to FIG. 6, next, the billing processing unit 408 of the content distribution apparatus 4 calculates a billing fee for each user based on the history information stored in the history DB 502 as a monthly service fee once a month. And stored in the accounting DB 501 (S211). FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charge for each user stored in the accounting DB 501. As shown in FIG. 15, for example, the charging DB 501 has a user ID “alice”, a charging month “2009/11”, a non-eco viewing time “60”, a non-eco charge “100”, and eco = 1 viewing. Time “60”, eco = 1 fee “80”, eco = 2 viewing time “180”, eco = 2 fee “180”, eco = 3 viewing time “120”, eco = 3 fee “80” ”And the total fee“ 440 ”are stored in association with each other, and similarly for other users, user ID, billing month, non-eco viewing time, non-eco fee, and eco = 1, 2 and 3 viewing time And remember the charges, total charges. The billing processing unit 408 creates a bill based on the data stored in the billing DB 501 and the business operator requests a bank account withdrawal based on the bill or sends the bill to a credit company. Settlement is made by a method such as sending to a user.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining content quality determination processing by the negotiation unit 404. This content quality determination process is a process performed in sequence S205 of FIG. 6, and is performed by the negotiation unit 404 while inquiring data from the power information management unit 402, the load detection unit 403, and the session management unit 405. First, the negotiation unit 40 calculates the expected increase number from the expected maximum number of sessions and the current number of sessions (S1001). Here, the expected maximum number of sessions is simply calculated as the sum of the average value and the standard deviation value of the number of sessions in the same time period notified from the load detection unit 403. For example, when information as shown in FIG. 8 is notified, the maximum number of expected sessions is 450 + 175 = 625. This is statistically a number that can be said to fall below 625 sessions with a probability of 68%.
The expected increase is a value obtained by subtracting the current number of sessions from the maximum number of expected sessions. That is, 625-500 = 125. The calculation of the expected increase is not limited to this. For example, the expected increase is the value obtained by subtracting the current number of sessions from the maximum expected number of sessions and the coefficient, However, optimization may be performed as appropriate, for example, by changing the coefficient so as to increase the accuracy.

Next, the negotiation unit 404 calculates surplus power of clean energy (S1002). The generated power of clean energy is the sum of clean energy usage power and storage speed notified from the power information management unit 402. For example, when the supply amount information shown in FIG. 9 is acquired from the power

information management unit

402, 50 + 5 = 55 kW. The surplus power is 55-50-0 = 5 kW, which is obtained by subtracting the power currently used from the clean energy generated power. That is, the accumulation speed in the storage battery 37 can be regarded as surplus power. Here, since the storage battery 37 is present, surplus power can be accurately derived. However, when the storage battery 37 is not provided, it is estimated by another method. For example, a method of temporarily increasing the power consumption in some way, detecting whether non-clean energy is used at that time, and predicting that there is surplus power if not used, For example, the average generated power on the specification (which may be obtained statistically based on the past performance) is set in advance, and a difference is calculated. The surplus power may be detected by the power control device 3 such as the power information unit 301, and the detected surplus power may be included in the supply amount information and notified to the content distribution device 4.

Next, the negotiation unit 404 calculates the average surplus power per session that does not exceed the clean energy power generation amount (S1003). That is, the surplus power is divided by the expected increase, and here, 5/125 = 0.04 kW = 40 W. Next, the negotiation unit 404 acquires information on the content data of the designated content from the content management unit 406, and selects content data that can be suppressed to an average surplus power or less (S1004). The power consumption can be suppressed to an average surplus power of 40 W or less because the bit rate is 4000 kbps or less from the relationship between the bit rate and the power used in FIG. Further, the negotiation unit 404 selects the one that satisfies the bit rate condition specified in the content reproduction request of the sequence S202.

For example, in the content reproduction request message of FIG. 7, since it is specified as 2000 kbps or higher, the condition is that the bit rate is 2000 kbps or higher and 4000 kbps or lower. Here, when the content identification information is “vod1” and the information about the content data is the example shown in FIG. 10, the content ID is “vod1-1”, “vod1” when the bit rate is 2000 kbps or more and 4000 kbps or less. -1-60 "," vod1-2 ", or" vod1-2-60 ".
Note that whether the negotiation unit 404 selects 2000 kbps or 4000 kbps may be determined according to the policy of the operator, or may be determined based on another parameter. It is desirable to select 4000 kbps with higher quality. By selecting a higher quality one, it is possible to suppress discomfort given to the user. Similarly, since “brightness = 50” is set in the content reproduction request in FIG. 7, the negotiation unit 404 assumes that the brightness setting is 60, and the content ID “vod-1-2-60” Select data.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the charging processing by the charging processing unit 408. This billing process is a process performed in sequence S212 in FIG. First, the billing processing unit 408 selects one of the unprocessed users for billing processing (S2001). This selection criterion may be, for example, user ID order, record order, or random order. Next, the billing processing unit 408 acquires the history data of the billing target period from the history DB 502 for the user selected in step S2001 (S2002). For example, in the case of the history information of user ID = alice in FIG.

Next, the billing processing unit 408 calculates a fee for each environmental index (S2003). In the example of FIG. 13, the charge for the environmental index 0 (non-eco) is 60 minutes × 100 yen / 60 minutes = 100 yen, and the charge for the environmental index 1 is 60 minutes × 80 yen / 60 minutes = 80 yen. Yes, the fee for the environmental index 2 is 180 minutes × 60 yen / 60 minutes = 180 yen, and the fee for the environmental index 3 is 120 minutes × 40 yen / 60 minutes = 80 yen. Next, the billing processing unit 408 adds up the charges for each environmental index calculated in step S2003 to calculate the total charge (S2004). In the example of FIG. 13, it is 100 yen + 80 yen + 180 yen + 80 yen = 440 yen. Next, the charging processing unit 408 stores the calculation results of steps S2003 and S2004 in the charging DB 501 (S2005). Then, the processing from step S2001 to S2005 is repeated until it is performed for all users (S2006).

Here, the fee is simply determined in a pay-per-use manner according to the viewing time, but any other billing method is possible. For example, a flat fee of 5000 yen may allow unlimited viewing in the eco mode. Even in that case, the charging processing unit 408 calculates a fee based on the history information in the history DB 502.
Here, the bit rate of the content is used for calculating the environmental index. This includes an additional band for a FEC (Forward Error Correction) function. When the normal FEC function is used, it is necessary to additionally send 10% to 20% of data for error correction in addition to the content data itself, and an additional band is generated. For example, if the bit rate of the content itself is 2000 kbps and the bit rate of FEC is 200 kbps, the total bit rate of 2200 kbps is the content bit rate when FEC is used. Accordingly, since the bit rate is reduced and power consumption is reduced when the FEC is not sent, the bit rate may be changed depending on whether or not the FEC is attached. The necessity of FEC is indicated by, for example, m rows in SDP (meaning that it is used when there are m rows).

In addition, here, the negotiation result is reflected in the form of high and low bit rates, but this is not restrictive. Although the bit rate directly affects the amount of power used by the content distribution device 4, the environmental index changes if the amount of clean energy generated changes even if the amount of power used does not change. May be determined independently. For example, if the environmental index tends to be high in the Sahara Desert, which is far from Japan, there may be a case where the operator wants to select it (however, it is necessary to ask the user to sacrifice the reaction speed). It is possible to give the user some kind of incentive.

Further, in step S1002 of FIG. 16, pure surplus power of clean energy was considered, but it is not so, and it is acceptable to use power of system power 1 to some extent. You may think. For example, it is considered that the power of the grid power 1 may be used up to 100 W. If the surplus power of the clean energy is 0 W, the surplus power is 100 W, and if the surplus power of the clean energy is 50 W, the surplus power is 150 W. The power of system power 1 includes wind power generation, geothermal power generation, etc., and it cannot be completely said that the use of system power 1 is not ecological, and it is realistic to rely on some power of system power 1 This is because it is considered appropriate. Furthermore, if the storage battery 37 is not provided at this time, the power value from the system power 1 that can be used without calculating the surplus power by performing special processing is used as the surplus power value. The calculation in S1003 may be performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, considering the amount of carbon dioxide emission as an environmental load, the content distribution apparatus 4 determines the bit rate so that the carbon dioxide emission amount can be suppressed to zero, that is, all clean energy. The content is distributed, so that the amount of carbon dioxide emission per unit time can be suppressed to a preset value, or the amount of carbon dioxide emission per unit power amount can be suppressed to a preset value. Alternatively, the bit rate may be determined. For example, consider a case where the amount of carbon dioxide emission per unit time is 1 kg / h. Regarding the photovoltaic power generation panel 2, the amount of carbon dioxide emission per unit power amount is 0 kg / kWh, the power that can be supplied is 45 kW, and the system power 1 has a carbon dioxide emission amount per unit power amount of 0. When the total power used is X kW when it is 0.4 kg / kWh, it may satisfy 45 kW × 0 kg / kWh + (X−45) kW × 0.4 kg / kWh = 1 kg / h. That is, power can be used up to X = 47.5 kW. In this case, power may be supplied not only from the two power sources of the photovoltaic power generation panel 2 and the system power 1 but also from three or more power sources having different environmental loads.

Further, in this embodiment, the bit rate is determined so that only the clean energy can cover the power used by the content distribution device 4, but the power used by the content distribution device 4 and the database device 5 is targeted. The bit rate may be determined so that it can be covered only with clean energy. Furthermore, the bit rate may be determined so that the power used by the switch device 10 can be covered by only clean energy.

In the present embodiment, the power used by the content playback device 7 is not considered, but this may be considered. That is, the power used according to the bit rate is set in the content playback device 7 in advance, and for example, “a = fmtp: 33 terminal = 10 W / Mbps” (10 W used per 1 Mbps) in the SIP message of FIG. This value is taken into consideration when calculating the power consumption on the server side. It is desirable that the power consumption be considered not only for the content playback apparatus 7 main body but also for devices in the home LAN, such as devices that use different power depending on the bit rate change, such as a wireless LAN router. It is desirable to be able to set freely on the screen.

As described above, the content distribution apparatus 4 according to the present embodiment changes the quality of service such as bit rate so that clean energy can be used to supply power for content distribution to a desired user. Content distribution suitable for environmental protection such as reduction of carbon dioxide emissions can be performed while suppressing discomfort.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the content distribution device 4 is installed at one point, but in the second embodiment, the content distribution device 4 is installed at a plurality of points on the earth. FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the content distribution system in the present embodiment. The content distribution system according to this embodiment includes a grid power 1, solar power generation panels 2-A and 2-B, power control devices 3-A and 3-B, content distribution devices 4-A and 4-B, and a database device 5. , A network 6, and a plurality of content reproduction devices 7. As shown in FIG. 18, in this embodiment, the service provider installs the photovoltaic power generation panel 2-A, the power control device 3-A, and the content distribution device 4-A at the point A, and at the point B, A photovoltaic power generation panel 2-B, a power control device 3-B, and a content distribution device 4-B are installed. The database device 50 is connected to the content distribution devices 4-A and 4-B, and is installed at points other than the points A and B. The database device 50 may be installed at either the point A or the point B. Also in this embodiment, an Ethernet (registered trademark) switch 10 is installed at each point as shown in FIG. 1, but the illustration is omitted here.

The photovoltaic power generation panels 2-A and 2-B are the same as the photovoltaic power generation panel 2 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. The power control devices 3-A and 3-B are the same as the power control device 3 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that no power is supplied to the database device 5. When the database device 50 is installed at either the point A or the point B, the power control device at the point may supply power to the database device 5.

FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the content distribution apparatuses 4-A and 4-B. The content distribution apparatus 4-A and the content distribution apparatus 4-B are content distribution apparatuses except that a negotiation unit 1404 is provided instead of the negotiation unit 404 and a session management unit 1405 is provided instead of the session management unit 405. 4 and the configuration are the same. The negotiation unit 1404 and the session management unit 1405 are different from the negotiation unit 404 and the session management unit 405 in that they have functions capable of handling servers at multiple points.

For example, the point A and the point B may be points having different day and night time zones on the earth, such as Japan and Europe, or one of the points A and B may be the content playback device 7 such as the Sahara Desert. Even if it is a remote place from a certain user's home, it may be a spot that has a high probability of sunny weather and is suitable for power generation by a solar power generation panel. When the user is in Japan, that is, the content reproduction device 7 is in Japan, the content distribution device closer to the geographical location or on the network, that is, the content distribution device 4-A, is separated from the content reproduction device 7. The response to this request is fast, and a higher quality service can be provided.

FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing during content playback. First, sequences S1201 and 1202 are the same as sequences S201 and S202 in FIG. In addition, the content reproduction device 7 transmits a content reproduction request to a geographically closer device among the content distribution devices 4-A and 4-B or a device closer on the network. Here, it is assumed that the content is transmitted to the content distribution apparatus 4-A. Next, when receiving the content reproduction request in sequence S1202, the negotiation unit 1404 of the content distribution apparatus 4-A transfers the same message (FIG. 7) as the received content reproduction request to the content distribution apparatus 4-B. Therefore, both content distribution apparatuses 4-A and 4-B perform processing similar to sequences S203 to S205 in FIG. 6 (sequences S1204-A to S1206-A and S1204-B to S1206-B, respectively).

In sequences S1204-A to S1206-A and S1204-B to S1206-B, the load amount and the clean energy amount are detected at points A and B. Here, the load detected by the load detection unit 403 is detected. As for the amounts, both are the same as the values shown in FIG. 8, and only the amount of clean energy acquired by the power information receiving unit 402 is different. In the sequences S1205-A and S1205-B, An example of the amount of clean energy used detected by the content distribution apparatus 4-A and the content distribution apparatus 4-B at the point B is shown in FIG. At point A, the clean energy usage power is 40 kW, the non-clean energy usage power is 5 kW, and there is no surplus power. At the point B, the clean energy use power is 50 kW, the non-clean energy use power is 0 kW, and there is surplus power of about 10 kW that is stored in the storage battery 37. As a result, the average surplus power is 0 W and 80 W, respectively. The content data selected by the negotiation unit 1404 of each of the content distribution apparatuses 4-A and 4-B is the content data of the content ID “vod1-1-60” (power consumption 10 W, environment index 0), and the content ID “vod1- 3 ”(power consumption 40 W, environmental index 1).

Next, the negotiation unit 1404 of the content distribution server 4-B converts the content quality of the content data determined in the sequence S1206-B into, for example, a content quality result notification message shown in FIG. A is notified to the negotiation unit 1404 of A (S1207). Furthermore, the content distribution apparatus 4-B stores the content of the content quality result notification in the user DB 503 and establishes a session. Note that the content quality result notification message in FIG. 22 is different from the message in FIG. 12 in the line a in the twelfth line: “eco = 1; flexible; bitrate = 2000−; brightness = 50−” (environment indicator 1 ) Is specified, and the address indicated by “a = fmtp: 33 uri =...” Is “100.2.1.100” which is the IP address of the content distribution server 4-B. .

Next, when the negotiation unit 1404 of the content distribution apparatus 4-A receives the message notified in the sequence S1207, the negotiation unit 1404 compares the environmental indices determined by each of the content distribution apparatuses 4-A and 4-B. Then, a determination process for selecting the higher environmental index is performed (S1208).

In the above example, the environmental index of the content distribution device 4-B is higher, but when the content distribution device 4-A is selected in this determination processing, the session establishment of the content distribution device 4-B is canceled. Therefore, a content reproduction end request (SIP BYE message or the like) is sent to the content distribution apparatus 4-B (S1250). When this content reproduction end request is received, the session management unit 1405 of the content distribution apparatus 4-B deletes the session information stored in the user DB 503 and releases the session. At this time, the content distribution device 4-B can determine that the request transmission source is the content distribution device 4-A by looking at the transmission source address of the packet, and at this time, determines that there is no content distribution history. Do not create history. Next, the negotiation unit 1404 of the content distribution device 4-A transmits a content quality result notification to the content reproduction device 7 (S1251). Further, according to the instruction of the negotiation unit 1404, the session management unit 1405 stores the content in the user DB 503. The contents of the quality result notification are stored and a session is established (S1251). Thereafter, the content distribution apparatus 4-A and the content reproduction apparatus 7 operate in the same manner as the sequences S207 to S212 in FIG. Note that these sequences S207 to S212 are omitted in FIG.

As in the above example, the environmental index of the content distribution device 4-B is higher, and when the content distribution device 4-B is selected in the determination processing of the sequence 1208, the negotiation unit of the content distribution device 4-A 1404 cancels the session establishment processing in response to the content reproduction request in sequence S1202 (processing in the negotiation unit 1404), and discards the session (S1260). Next, the negotiation unit 1404 transfers the content quality result notification message received from the content distribution device 4-B to the content reproduction device 7 as it is, and establishes a session (S1261). At this time, in accordance with the instruction of the negotiation unit 1404, the session management unit 1405 adds the information indicating that the session is mediating the distribution from the content distribution apparatus 4-B and receives it from the content distribution apparatus 4-B. The content quality result notification is stored in the user DB 503, and the session is managed.

The content reproduction device 7 operates without referring to which of the content distribution devices 4-A and 4-B is selected by operating with reference to the address in the content quality result notification message. I can do it. Since the address for distribution control included in the content quality result notification message (FIG. 22) is “100.2.1.100”, by using this address as the transmission destination of the request, the content distribution apparatus 4-B RTSP PLAY, PAUSE, etc. are issued to reproduce the video (S1262).

When ending content reproduction, the content reproduction device 7 transmits a content reproduction end request to the device that transmitted the content reproduction request in sequence S1202, in this case, the content distribution device 4-A (S1263).
Upon receiving the content reproduction end request, the session management unit 1405 of the content distribution apparatus 4-A knows that this session mediates distribution in the content distribution apparatus 4-B. Is transferred to the content distribution apparatus 4-B (S1264). The session management unit 1405 of the content distribution apparatus 4-B receives the transferred content reproduction end request, performs session end processing, and performs history creation processing in the same manner as the sequence S211 in FIG. 6 (however, the content distribution apparatus 4). Since both -A and 4-B can determine that the session is mediated by the content distribution apparatus 4-A, the history creation process may be performed on the content distribution apparatus 4-A side).

Note that the content reproduction request in sequence S1202 may include information indicating whether or not the content distribution apparatus side may determine an apparatus that distributes content data.
When this information indicates that the content distribution apparatus may determine, the process of selecting an appropriate one of the plurality of content distribution apparatuses is performed as described above, and if not, the content reproduction request The received content distribution apparatus distributes the content data.
Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution device is described as being disposed at two points of the points A and B, but the content distribution device may be disposed at three or more points.
For example, when content distribution apparatuses are installed at three points A, B, and C, the content distribution apparatus that has received the content reproduction request transfers the content reproduction request to the remaining two content distribution apparatuses. Furthermore, based on the environmental index in the three content distribution devices, the content distribution device that distributes the content is selected.

In this way, from content distribution devices installed at multiple points, the one that can supply the power used for content distribution with clean energy is selected, so content distribution can be achieved while suppressing environmental impacts such as carbon dioxide emissions. It can be performed. This selection selects service quality such as response time, which is influenced by the relationship between the content reproduction device 7 and the location where the selected content distribution device is installed.

[Modification of First Embodiment]
In the first embodiment described above, the quality is determined for each session (every time the content is played) and the history is created and charged. However, in the present modification, while one content is being played, Change the quality. For example, during the playback of content, for example, the number of sessions on the content distribution device side has greatly exceeded the expected load, or the amount of clean energy supplied has decreased more than expected. This is done when clean energy alone is not enough to provide power for content distribution. In this modification, the configuration of each device is basically the same as in the first embodiment, but the negotiation unit 404 and the content management unit 406 of the content distribution device 4 are different from those in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, it demonstrates centering on these.

FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing for dynamically changing content quality during a session in the present modification. The sequences S301 to S308 are basically the same as the sequences S201 to S208 in FIG. 6, except that the messages transmitted in the sequences S302 and S306 are as shown in the 12th line in FIG. 24 and the 12th line in FIG. , The parameter “flexible” is set in the line “a = fmt: 33” by the content reproduction apparatus 7. Note that “flexible” is a parameter indicating that the quality can be dynamically changed even during distribution of content data.

Next, assume that some event related to a quality change request occurs. Then, the negotiation unit 404 detects the occurrence of this event (S309). The negotiation unit 404 detects this event based on load information such as the number of sessions acquired from the load detection unit 403 and supply amount information such as clean energy usage power acquired from the power information management unit 402. When the event is detected, the negotiation unit 404 determines a change in the quality of the content, and transmits a content quality change request including information indicating the quality of the determination result to the content reproduction device 7 (S310). When the content quality change request is received, the content reproduction device 7 performs a necessary process associated with the quality change, and returns a response to the content quality change request (content quality change result notification) (S311). This response is, for example, a SIP 200 OK message. Further, as a necessary process accompanying the quality change, there is a process of changing a parameter setting such as a bit rate for the content data decoder provided in the data receiving unit 707.

When the content quality change result notification is received, the session management unit 405 reflects the content of the quality change in the session information stored in the user DB 503, and the history management unit 407 records the history for the same bit rate. Information is created and stored in the history DB 502 (S312). This process is the same as the sequence S211 in FIG. In S313, the switched content data is transmitted. The subsequent steps are the same as those after S209, and are omitted (however, the billing process in S211 is performed for the session after switching).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining event detection processing by the negotiation unit 404.
The negotiation unit 404 periodically executes this process independently of the request process from the content reproduction device 7. In steps S3001 to S3003, processing similar to that in steps S1001 to S1003 in FIG. 16 is performed, and as a result, average surplus power X that is power per session not exceeding the clean energy generation amount is calculated. Next, the negotiation unit 404 determines whether or not the average surplus power X is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (S3004). If it is equal to or greater than the threshold (there is sufficient surplus power) (S3004-Yes), it is determined not to change the quality, and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is equal to or less than the threshold value (the surplus power is insufficient) (S3004-No), the process proceeds to step S3005.

In step S3005, the negotiation unit 404 refers to the session information acquired from the user DB 503 by the session management unit 405, and selects an unprocessed session from among the sessions in which “eco” and “flexible” are set. If there is no corresponding session (S3005-No), it is determined not to change the quality, and the process is terminated. On the other hand, when there is a corresponding session (S3005-Yes), the negotiation unit 404 proceeds to step S3007, where the content data is the same as the content currently being played back and satisfies the conditions set in the content playback request The content management unit 406 is inquired as to whether there is a lower bit rate. For example, when the content data currently being reproduced is 4000 kbps and the condition set in the content reproduction request is 2000 kbps or more, whether or not the content DB 504 stores content data of 2000 kbps or more and less than 4000 kbps. Inquire.

The negotiation unit 404 determines whether there is corresponding content data and the bit rate can be lowered (S3008). If it is not possible (S3008-No), the process returns to step S3005 to repeat the process for another session. On the other hand, if it is possible (S3008-Yes), it is decided to change the quality, and the event detection process is terminated. Thereafter, the negotiation unit 404 transmits a content quality change request to change to the corresponding content data to the content reproduction device 7.

It should be noted that after it is determined that the quality is to be changed, the process may be repeated from step S3001 to determine other sessions. In this case, since the quality of one session is changed and the load situation is changed, it is possible to determine the other sessions more accurately. Even if it is decided to change the quality, the process from step S3005 to step S3008 is performed without ending the event detection process, and it is possible after determining whether or not the bit rate can be reduced for all sessions. A content quality change request may be transmitted for the determined items. In this case, the processing becomes simpler, and since all sessions are determined under the same condition at a certain time, fairness for the user is increased.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a content quality change request in sequence S310. The example of FIG. 27 is an example in which a change to content data of 2000 kbps is requested. Compared to the content quality result notification of FIG. 25, the point indicating that the message is an INVITE message in the first line, the point indicating that it is SDP Offer in the seventh line, and specifying in the 12th line The difference is that the bit rate is 2000 kbps.

Although this modification has been described as a modification of the first embodiment, the quality of the second embodiment can be changed in the same way while content is being reproduced. Further, when the content distribution apparatus is operated at a plurality of points as in the second embodiment, if the environmental index can be increased, the content distribution apparatuses installed at different points (for example, the second distribution unit) The session may be taken over between the content distribution apparatuses 4-A and 4-B) of the embodiment. In this case, the negotiation unit 1404 of the content distribution apparatus that handles the mediation compares the quality change detection processing results with each other, performs session establishment if necessary, and sets the “a = fmtp: 33 uri” parameter of the message to be transmitted (FIG. 27). This can be realized by changing the IP address.

In this way, the number of sessions increases, the amount of power generated by clean energy decreases, and the power used for content distribution cannot be covered by clean energy while content is being played. However, the quality can be changed by changing the bit rate or the device for distribution, etc., so that the power used for content distribution can be covered by clean energy, so that the content distribution can be performed with reduced environmental load.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the electric power used is divided into two stages of clean energy and non-clean energy, and the environmental index is calculated. However, the environmental index may be calculated in more stages. Good.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, “eco” requesting distribution of content giving priority to the environment is set as a parameter in the content reproduction request. However, for example, the priority is set as a parameter by using the above-described environmental index. You may make it set as. In that case, the negotiation unit of the content distribution apparatus determines the quality so as to satisfy the set environmental index.

So far, mainly the message exchange on the network has been described in detail, but some display may be performed on the screen of the content reproduction apparatus 7 in accordance therewith. For example, in S201 of FIG. 6, it is conceivable to display some information related to the eco mode in the content list for selecting content. FIG. 28 is an external view showing an example of display. Reference numeral 1001 indicates that the content “Eco and I” can be reproduced at a quality of 4 Mbps in the eco mode at this time. If the quality is 2 Mbps, it is not selected, but if the quality is 4 Mbps, the display is meaningful for the user. Further, when normal playback is desired instead of the eco mode, it may be possible to select “Premium” of the code 1002 that does not use the eco mode. At this time, as described above, for example, the eco mode information is not added to the <a> tag, and the control related to the eco mode described in the present embodiment may not be performed.

Reference numeral 1003 indicates that the content distribution apparatus 4 installed in “Sahara (Sahara Desert)” is selected, although the reproduction is performed at the quality of 8 Mbps in the eco mode. In this case, the delay may be large, but since the “Sahara Desert” is known, the user can feel secure. For “4 Mbps” of reference numeral 1001 and “8 Mbps” of reference numeral 1003, when the content distribution screen 4 transmits the content list screen, sequences S203 to S205 when it is assumed that the eco mode is designated in FIG. Can be displayed by executing in advance.

In addition, a program for realizing the functions of the power information unit 301 and the power supply unit 302 in FIG. 4 or a power detection unit 401, a power information management unit 402, a load detection unit 403, and a negotiation unit 404 , A session management unit 405, a content management unit 406, a history management unit 407, a billing processing unit 408, a program for realizing the functions of the network communication unit 409, or a user input unit 701, and an eco mode setting Unit 702, content request unit 704, content control unit 705, communication unit 706, program for realizing the functions of data reception unit 707, or power detection unit 401 in FIG. 19, power information management unit 402, load detection unit 403, negotiation unit 1404, session management unit 1405, content management unit 406, A program for realizing the functions of the history management unit 407, the billing processing unit 408, and the network communication unit 409 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into a computer system. The processing of each unit may be performed by executing. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

Further, the “computer system” includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if a WWW system is used.
The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM or a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Furthermore, the “computer-readable recording medium” dynamically holds a program for a short time like a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In this case, a volatile memory in a computer system serving as a server or a client in that case, and a program that holds a program for a certain period of time are also included. The program may be a program for realizing a part of the functions described above, and may be a program capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system.

As described above, the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes design changes and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The present invention can be used for a content distribution system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... System power 2 ... Solar power generation panel 3 ... Power control apparatus 4 ... Content delivery apparatus 5 ... Database apparatus 6 ... Network 7 ... Content reproduction apparatus 10 ... Ethernet (trademark) switch apparatus 31 ... CPU 32 ... Main memory part 33 ... Auxiliary storage unit 34 ... Power sensor 35 ... Power supply unit 36 ... Communication unit 37 ... Storage battery 41 ... CPU 42 ... Main storage unit 43 ... Auxiliary storage unit 44 ... Power sensor 45 ... Power supply unit 46 ... Communication unit 47 ... Display 48 ... Keyboard 51 ... CPU 52 ... Main storage unit 53 ... Auxiliary storage unit 54 ... Communication unit 71 ... CPU 72 ... Main storage unit 73 ... Auxiliary storage unit 74 ... Display unit 75 ... Speaker 76 ... Input unit 77 ... Communication unit 761 ... Remote controller

Claims

A content distribution system that is supplied with power from a plurality of power sources with different environmental loads and distributes content to a content playback device connected via a communication line,
In response to a content distribution request from the content reproduction apparatus, content distribution is performed with service quality determined so that an environmental load caused by power supplied from the plurality of power sources can be suppressed to a predetermined environmental load. A featured content distribution system.
The content reproduction device includes a content distribution device for distributing content,
The content distribution device includes:
A power detection unit for detecting power used by each of the plurality of power sources;
A load detection unit for detecting a load amount of the content distribution device;
In response to a content distribution request from the content reproduction device, when the load amount of the content distribution device reaches a predetermined maximum load amount based on the detected power consumption and load amount, the plurality of electric powers A negotiation unit that determines the bit rate of the content to be distributed so that the environmental load due to the power supplied from the source is suppressed to a predetermined environmental load;
The content distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising: a content distribution unit that distributes content data at a bit rate determined by the negotiation unit.
The power detection unit detects at least the suppliable power of a power source excluding a power source with the largest environmental load among the plurality of power sources,
The content delivery system according to claim 2, wherein the negotiation unit uses the suppliable power when determining a bit rate of the content to be delivered.
When the negotiation unit is not able to be suppressed to the predetermined environmental load during the distribution of the content, the used power and the suppliable power detected by the power detection unit, and the load amount detected by the load detection unit When determining based on the above, the bit rate of the distributed content is determined so that the predetermined environmental load can be suppressed,
The content distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the content distribution unit changes a bit rate of the distributed content to the determined bit rate.
The environmental load is emission of carbon dioxide,
The content according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of power sources are clean energy that does not emit carbon dioxide during power generation and non-clean energy that emits carbon dioxide. Distribution system.
The charging processing unit according to claim 5, further comprising: a charging processing unit that determines a fee based on an environmental index that is a degree of power consumption associated with distribution of the content suppressing the use of the second power. Content distribution system.
The content reproduction device includes a plurality of content distribution devices for distributing content,
At least one of the plurality of content distribution devices has a different power supply from the other,
In response to a content distribution request from the content reproduction device, a content distribution device that distributes content is selected so that an environmental load due to power supplied from the plurality of power sources is suppressed to a predetermined environmental load. The content distribution system according to claim 1.
In response to a content distribution request from the content reproduction apparatus, content distribution is performed with the service quality determined so as to be suppressed to the predetermined environmental load. The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the content distribution system is at a time when the content is being performed.
A content distribution device that is supplied with power from a plurality of power sources having different environmental loads and distributes content to a content reproduction device connected via a communication line,
In response to a content distribution request from the content reproduction apparatus, content distribution is performed with service quality determined so that an environmental load caused by power supplied from the plurality of power sources can be suppressed to a predetermined environmental load. A feature content distribution apparatus.
A content distribution method for distributing content to a content playback device that is supplied with power from a plurality of power sources with different environmental loads and connected via a communication line,
In response to a content distribution request from the content reproduction device, the step of performing content distribution with a service quality determined so that an environmental load due to power supplied from the plurality of power sources can be suppressed to a predetermined environmental load. A content distribution method comprising:
A computer of a content distribution device that is supplied with power from a plurality of power sources having different environmental loads and distributes content to a content reproduction device connected via a communication line,
In response to a content delivery request from the content playback device, means for delivering content with a service quality determined so that an environmental load due to the power supplied from the plurality of power sources is suppressed to a predetermined environmental load. A program to make it work.
A content reproduction device that receives and reproduces content distributed by a content distribution device that distributes content with a service quality determined so that the environmental load due to power supplied from a plurality of power sources is suppressed to a predetermined environmental load There,
A content reproduction apparatus that instructs a content distribution apparatus for distribution with reduced environmental load.